Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a sweet, savory, and satisfying skillet dinner made with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and simple seasonings. The sauce turns glossy as it cooks and coats every piece with bold flavor.
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because everything cooks quickly in one pan. The shrimp stays tender, the sausage adds richness, and the broccoli gives the meal color and freshness without making it feel heavy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sausage
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For the Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Serving
- Cooked jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lime wedges
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp is fast, colorful, and packed with flavor. The honey gives the sauce sweetness, while soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar keep the finished dish balanced and savory.
Another reason to love Honey Garlic Shrimp is the combination of textures. The shrimp is tender, the sausage is lightly browned, and the broccoli stays crisp enough to give every bite freshness.
You can also serve this meal with rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa depending on what you already have at home. The simple sauce works beautifully with all of them.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Season with smoked paprika, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
Drying the shrimp helps Honey Garlic Shrimp sear properly instead of releasing excess water and steaming in the skillet.
If your shrimp still have tails attached, you can leave them on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced sausage in a single layer.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until both sides have developed browned edges.
Transfer the sausage to a clean plate and set aside.
Leaving the browned bits in the skillet adds extra savory flavor to the broccoli and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet along with two tablespoons of water.
Cover and cook for about 2 minutes.
Remove the lid, add one teaspoon of olive oil, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green with lightly browned edges.
Transfer the broccoli to the plate with the sausage.
Do not cook the broccoli until completely soft because it will cook briefly again when everything is combined.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.
Keep the cornstarch mixture nearby because it will be added toward the end to give the sauce its glossy consistency.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on the first side, then turn each piece.
Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the shrimp become pink and opaque.
Avoid cooking longer than necessary because shrimp can become tough and rubbery very quickly.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the shrimp.
Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer for about 1 minute.
The combination of garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame gives Honey Garlic Shrimp its signature sweet and savory flavor.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch mixture again because starch tends to settle at the bottom.
Slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring.
Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce becomes shiny and thick enough to coat the shrimp.
Do not simmer for too long after adding the cornstarch, as the sauce can become excessively thick.
Step 8: Return the Sausage and Broccoli
Add the browned sausage and broccoli back to the skillet.
Toss everything carefully until coated with the sauce.
Let Honey Garlic Shrimp cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to heat the sausage and vegetables completely.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste a small amount of the sauce before serving.
Add a little extra soy sauce if you want more savory flavor.
For additional sweetness, add another teaspoon of honey.
Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice can add more brightness, while red pepper flakes or chili sauce can increase the heat.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in one or two tablespoons of warm water.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, parsley, or cilantro.
Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately over hot rice, quinoa, or noodles, with lime wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Shrimp is delicious served over steamed jasmine rice because the rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce.
Brown rice and quinoa are also excellent choices when you want a heartier grain.
For a lower-carb meal, serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or alongside additional steamed broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or cabbage.
A crisp cucumber salad, Asian-style slaw, or simple mixed greens also pairs nicely with Honey Garlic Shrimp because the fresh vegetables balance the rich glaze and smoky sausage.
You can also serve smaller portions in lettuce cups for an appetizer-style presentation.
For another savory and cheesy option, try our Broccoli & Cheddar Savory Muffins with tender broccoli, cheddar, herbs, and a soft golden crumb.
Recipe Tips
Use large shrimp whenever possible because they are easier to sear without accidentally overcooking.
Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning.
Choose fully cooked smoked sausage so it only needs to be browned and heated.
Keep the broccoli slightly crisp because it will cook again when returned to the skillet.
For the best Honey Garlic Shrimp texture, remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Use low-sodium soy sauce so you have better control over the saltiness.
Fresh garlic and ginger provide stronger flavor than powdered versions, although either can work in a pinch.
Always stir the cornstarch slurry immediately before adding it to the hot sauce.
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the refrigerator and remove excess moisture before cooking.
Easy Variations
Honey Garlic Shrimp can be customized with vegetables, proteins, and different levels of heat.
Add sliced red bell peppers, sugar snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or green beans for more vegetables.
To increase the heat, stir chili garlic sauce, sriracha, cayenne pepper, or additional red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Smoked sausage can be replaced with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, kielbasa, or andouille sausage.
For a citrus variation, add orange zest or a squeeze of fresh lime juice shortly before serving.
For a lighter Honey Garlic Shrimp, reduce the honey slightly and increase the broccoli or other vegetables.
You can also leave out the sausage completely and double the amount of shrimp for a seafood-focused version.
If you enjoy creamy, comforting skillet meals, you may also like our Viral Smashed Gnocchi and Burrata Skillet with crispy gnocchi, juicy tomatoes, burrata, and fresh basil.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Honey Garlic Shrimp cooks very quickly, but several parts of the recipe can be prepared in advance to make dinner even faster.
Mix the honey garlic sauce up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container.
Slice the sausage and cut the broccoli into florets the day before.
You can peel and devein the shrimp in advance as well. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and use them within a day for the best quality.
Prepare rice or quinoa ahead and reheat it while the skillet cooks.
With the ingredients prepared, the main dish takes only around 15 to 20 minutes to finish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add one or two tablespoons of water if the sauce has become very thick in the refrigerator.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Avoid prolonged reheating because shrimp can become rubbery when cooked repeatedly.
Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, although the broccoli may become softer after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving without rice or noodles:
Calories: 430
Protein: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the sausage, soy sauce, honey, shrimp size, and exact serving portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely, drain them well, and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes. Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, kielbasa, andouille, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can work.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the honey to 1/4 cup and add a little additional rice vinegar or soy sauce to maintain balance.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, chili garlic sauce, chili crisp, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain it first, then cook only briefly so it does not become too soft.
Can I make this without sausage?
Yes. Honey Garlic Shrimp is still delicious with shrimp and broccoli alone. You can also replace the sausage with bite-size pieces of chicken.
What should I serve with this dish?
Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, noodles, cauliflower rice, cucumber salad, or steamed vegetables all pair well with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Shrimp is an easy one-pan dinner that combines juicy shrimp, browned sausage, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic-honey sauce.
Because it cooks quickly and uses simple everyday ingredients, this skillet meal is a practical choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep.
Keep the recipe handy whenever you want a fast dinner with sweet, savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
With tender shrimp, smoky sausage, colorful broccoli, and a sticky honey garlic glaze, every serving delivers plenty of flavor with minimal cooking and cleanup.